The Badge Archive

Basic String Art

Activity Description: Scouts create a string art design by wrapping colorful thread around nails placed in a shape on wood.

  • Fulfills Step 2 of GSUSA Brownie Art and Design badge requirements.
  • Fulfills Step 3 of GSUSA Junior Art and Design badge requirements.
  • Fulfills Step 1 of GSUSA Cadette Woodworker badge requirements.

Info Needed for Brownie/Junior: Lines in art are like the building blocks of a picture. They help artists show shapes, movement, and feelings. Imagine drawing a happy face with a big smile. That’s using lines to show happiness! Lines can be straight, wavy, or zigzag, and each type can make the picture look different. They can make patterns. They help tell a story and make the art more interesting and fun to look at.

Info Needed for Cadette: Hammering is a basic but important skill in woodworking. Scouts need to know how to hold the hammer safely, start a nail without bending it, and strike with control. Proper hammering helps prevent injury, protects the wood from damage, and keeps nails straight and secure. Using steady, accurate hits instead of forceful swings builds confidence and reduces mistakes. Holding the nail near the base, tapping gently to set it, and keeping fingers clear once it’s stable are key safety habits.

Items Needed:

  • 1 piece of soft wood, around 1 foot x 1 foot
  • 1 1/4-inch nails (16–18 gauge)
  • String, yarn, or embroidery floss
  • Hammer
  • Clear nail polish
  • Safety glasses
  • Scissors
  • Thick marker
  • Pencil
  • Paper

Instructions (Estimated Total Time: 35 min):

  1. Scouts draw a simple line design on paper to use as a stencil (5 min)
    • Examples include a heart, house, or star.
  2. Scouts place the stencil on the wood or draw the design directly onto the wood (3 min)
  3. Scouts hammer nails along the outline of the design, spaced about 1/4 inch apart (8 min)
    • Nails should be even in height and not hammered in too deep.
    • Wear safety glasses and be mindful of fingers and others nearby.
  4. Scouts tie a double knot around one nail and secure it with clear nail polish (3 min)
    • Wait for the polish to dry, then clip the tail of the string.
  5. Scouts outline the shape by wrapping the string around each nail (5 min)
    • Keep the string tight and follow the nail pattern.
  6. Scouts fill in the design by looping the string between nails (7 min)
    • Use random or patterned loops to fill the shape.
  7. Scouts finish by tying a double knot around a nail and sealing it with nail polish (4 min)
    • Wait for the polish to dry, then clip the final tail.

Step-by-Step Tutorials:

VTK String Art by GSUSA

Tia Kennard